Peanuts

🥜 What Are Peanuts?
Peanuts are legumes (not true tree nuts) commonly enjoyed roasted, in peanut butter, or as ingredients in baked goods, sauces, and snacks. They are rich in protein, healthy fats, niacin, magnesium, and vitamin E.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Peanuts Occur?
A sensitivity to peanuts may occur due to their natural components:

Proteins:
Peanuts contain storage proteins such as Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3, as well as profilins. These proteins may be difficult for some individuals to process or may interact with pollen-related sensitivities.

Fats:
Peanuts are high in polyunsaturated fats, which may be more challenging for sensitive digestive systems.

Lectins:
As legumes, peanuts naturally contain lectins, which may irritate the digestive tract in some individuals.

Histamine Activity:
Peanuts may act as histamine liberators, which may contribute to symptoms in histamine-sensitive individuals.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid peanuts and peanut-based foods for 8 weeks.

• Monitor symptoms throughout the elimination period.

• Retest after 8 weeks to determine whether tolerance has improved.

• Try peanut-free alternatives such as almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini if tolerated.

💊 Supportive General Supplements
These options may support digestion and overall comfort:

Digestive Enzymes:
May assist in breaking down peanut-specific proteins.

Probiotics:
May support gut microbiome balance and overall digestion.

Anti-inflammatory Supplements:
Curcumin or omega-3 fatty acids may support a healthy inflammatory response.

Histamine Support:
DAO (Diamine Oxidase) may support individuals experiencing histamine-related symptoms.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to Peanuts but Not Other Nuts?

• Legume vs. Nut: Peanuts are legumes and contain proteins that differ from tree nuts like almonds or cashews.

• Lectin Content: Peanuts contain lectins commonly found in legumes, which may irritate sensitive digestive systems.

• Histamine Liberation: Peanuts may act as histamine liberators, while many tree nuts do not trigger this response.

• Fat Profile: Their polyunsaturated fat content may be harder to digest compared to the monounsaturated fats found in nuts such as almonds or cashews.

🍽️ Popular Dishes Containing Peanuts

• Peanut butter

• Peanut satay sauce

• Peanut brittle

• Pad Thai with peanuts

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Almond butter

• Sunflower seed butter

• Cashew butter

• Tahini